Flexible chain linkage



July 20, 1965 s. BELLO. 3,195,301

FLEXIBLE CHAIN LINKAGE Filed May 9. 1961 IN VEN TOR. JAL VA rom' 515210 United States Patent O 3,195,301 FLEXIBLE CHAIN LINKAGE Salvatore Bello, Clitside Park, NJ., assignor to Jacoby- Bender, Inc., Woodside, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed May 9, 1961, Ser. No. 108,952 1G Claims. (Cl. 59-80) The present invention relates to the construction of a flexible chain linkage suitable for use in bracelets and similar objects.

The use of flexible chain linkages in watch bracelets or the like is quite common. One prime requirement of linkages of this type is that they be sufficiently exible to conform to a curved supporting surface, such as the wrist of a person, while at the same time being sutilciently substantial and strong so as to withstand the stresses and wear to which they are subjected in use. Another prime requirement is that they be inexpensive to manufacture, both from the point of view of the cost of production of the individu-al components of which the chain is formed and the cost of assembly of those components into the finished linkage.

Another important consideration is that the linkage adapt itself to production of linkages of different widths, and in many instances that it adapt itself to the formation of a linkage of tapered width. This is of particular concern in the manufacture of watch bracelets, where the main portion of the bracelet may be of a different width from the attaching portion of the watch to be used therewith. In the past it has been necessary to form tapering linkages from individual link elements initially manufactured in appropriate progressively decreasing widths. This adds appreciably to the cost of manufacture of the individual elements, since separate dies must be made for each of the desired widths. In addition, when prior art tapering linkages were to be assembled the appropriate personnel had t-o select and arrange link elements of appropriately varying width, a time-consuming and errorprone procedure.

In linkages composed of articulately connected link elements, the relative movement of the elements when the linkage conforms to a curved or irregular surface is often a source of trouble, in that the skin of the wearer may become pinched between pairs yof adjacent elements.

The linkage must also be so constructed as to facilitate the attachment of ornamental covers thereto. This is particularly troublesome when the link elements are of different widths.

The linkage construction of the present invention is designed to solve all of the above problems. It is formed of two types of links, the links of each type being identical to one another despite desired variations in the desired Widths of linkages or linkage sections. The linkage may be formed by assembly of these two types of links, after which assembly a single cutting or stamping operation will give to the linkage its desired width, or even an irregular or tapered lateral configuration, and this without affecting the flexibility of the linkage or the security with which the individual links are articulately connected to one another. Thus, only two types of linkage elements need be made, the assembly of those elements is uniform for different widths or types of finished linkage, and consequently production costs, including yassembly costs, are greatly minimized. The construction of the links is such that 'ornamental covers may be firmly and reliably attached thereto whether the links are used in their origin-al width or are cut or stamped to lesser width, said covers being of uniform construction for links of all widths.

Moreover, the construction of the links is such as to ensure that the joints between the links are raised above ICC the surface to which the linkage may be applied, thus ensuring that the skin of the person wearing the linkage will not be pinched or otherwise adversely affected.

To the accomplishment lof the above, and to other such objects as may hereinafter appear, the present invention relates to a flexible linkage construction as defined in the appended claims and described in this specication, taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view `oli-an assembled linkage according to the present invention, the link-age being shown in finished tapered form, ornamental covers being provided on some of the links;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the linkage of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 and 4 `are cross-sectional views taken respectively along the lines 3-3 and 4-4 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a three-quarter perspective exploded view, partially broken away, of the two link elements prior to their connection with one another.

The linkage of the present invention is assembled from two series of identical linkage elements, generally designated 2 and 4, each of which may conveniently and economically be formed by a stamping operation upon continuous strips of appropriate structural material.

The links 2 making up the first series of links are desirably formed from sheet material and have a central portion 6 provided with an elongated aperture 8 adjacent one side edge 14 thereof, the central portion 6 being anked byside portions 10 having end edges 12 and side edges 14 with inset portions 15 formed therein. Notches 16 may be formed in the side edges 18 opposite the side edges 14. The Width of the links 2, measured between their end edges 12, is comparable to the maximum width desired in the linkage, the links 2 extending generally widthwise of that linkage.

The links 4 are also desirably formed of sheet material and have an overall width, measured between their end edges 20, comparable to the Width of the links 2. The links 4 have a central portion 22, corresponding in width to the central portion 6 yof the links 2, and tongue 24 extends integrally from one side of the central section 22, the other side thereof being provided with a notch 26. The links 4 are provided with side portions 28, of a length corresponding to the side portions 10 of the links 2, and lips 30 extend integrally from the side portions 28 in a lateral direction. Elongated openings 29 are formed in each side portion 28. Lugs 32 may extend integrally from and be bent up relative to the sides of the side portion 28 opposite the lips 30. A downwardly extending pair of spaced protrusions 34 .are formed in the link 4 at opposite sides of the notch 26.

The linkage `is assembled from the link elements 2 and 4 as follows: A link element 2 is placed upon the link element 4 with their respective central portions 6 and 22 and their respective side portions 10 and 28 superimposed upon one another. The lugs 32 on the link 4 are received within the notches 116 on the link 2, preferably at the outer corn-ers of those notches 16, in order to fix the relative positions of the links 2 and 4. The notch 26 in the link 4 is inset ysufficiently to clear .the aperture 8 in the link vZ, thus providing access thereto. The two link elements are securely held together by bending the lips 30 of the link 4 around the inset portion 1S of the links 2 and over the upper surfaces of the side portion 10 of the link 2. The depth of the inset portions 15 is preferably -closely the same as the thickness of the lips 3i), so that the side surfaces of the assembled pair of links 2, 4 are substantially .smooth and continuous.

Each pair of thus-assembled links 2, 4 are then articulately connected to one another by passing the tongue 24 lof the link 4 upwardly through the aperture 8 of the link 2 of an adjacent pair of assembled links 2, 4, and

E3 bending the tongue 24 down fiat. Each set of assembled links 2, 4 is thus free to pivot relative to the adjacent set of assembled links.

-lf the linkage desired is to be of a width less than that of the individual link elements -2 and 4, or if the linkage is to be tapered, as is here specifically showrnall that is nec-essary is to cut the side edges of the linkage, defined by .the end edges of the individual -link elements 2 and 4, to a desired degree.' Since Vthe connection between the links 2 and 4 which are superposed upon one another is achieved by Virt-ue of the lips 30 which are bent around edges of the link 2 which extend width-Wise of the completed linkage, the superposed link elements 2 and 4 will still remain securely connected to one another despite the removal of even a major part of the side portions 10 and 28 of those link elements.

The downwardly extending protrusions 34 will support the linkage with the linkage joints spaced above the surface on which the linkage rests, and lthe laterally spacedV nature of the protrusions 34 will provide for lateral stability of the linkage in this somewhat elevated position. Accordingly, any tendency of ythe linkage, as it flexes, to

pinch the skin of the wearer is effectively minimized withi out adversely affecting the appearance or reliability of thelinkage.

The thus assembled linkage may be utilized as Such or, if desired, individual ornamental covers 36 could be attached to the upper surfaces of each of the assembledv link pairs 2 ,and 4, there being secured in place in any appropriate manner, as by being bent laround andunder the end edges ofthe assembled link pairs 2, 4. It is preferred that the ends of the covers 36 be provided with tabs 37 adapted to be bent up into the openings 29 in the side portions 28`of the links 4. Because of the elongated nature of the openings 29 it is possible to use identical covers 36 for all of the link assemblies 2, 4, the overall length of the covers 36 being such as to permit the tabs 37 -to enter the outermost portions of the openings 29 when used with the Widest link assemblies 2, 4. As the width of the link assemblies 2, 4 decrease the ends of the covers 36 extend inwardly more and more beneath thel links 4, as is shown in BIG. 4, the tabs37 being received in the openings 29 at points more and more inwardly disposed.

Thus the linkage of the present invention can be formed of only two types of link elements which may be used to produce linkagesof different widths, or even of irregular.

or tapered widths, either with or without ornamental covers therefor which themselves may be identical toone another for use with link elements of different widths, while at the same time minimizing cost and the possibi-lity of error in assembly. The linkage produced is exceptionally strong, sturdy and reliable. Assembly is simple, and

both assembly and the fabrication of the individual ele-k ments are well adapted to quantity production processes and techniques.

While but a single embodiment of the present invention has been here disclosed, it will be apparent that many variations may be made therein, Iall within the scope of the instant invention as defined in the following claims.

l claim:

1. A flexible chain linkage comprising a first series of links having apertures intermediate their width which are iianked by side portions, and .a second series of links each having a tongue receivable in the aperture of one link of said first series and having lips bendable around edges of .the side portions of an adjacent link of said first series, saidl links extending generally widthwise of said linkage and said edges of said side portions Aof said links of said rst series facing substantially lengthwise of said linkage, said links of different series overlapping one another respective-ly, a given series of links being provided with re-` cesses and the other series of links being provided with protrusions receivable in said recesses, lthereby to align said links independently of .said tongues and lips.

2. The linkage of Yclaim l, in which said tongues of said links of said second series extend therefrom lengthwise of said linkage in a given direction, the edges of said links of said second series opposite said tongues being recessed, said apertures in said links of said first series registering with said recessed edge portions of said links of said first series. Y

3. A exible chain ylinkage comprisinga first series of fiat links having apertures.intermediate their width which are iianked by side portions, and a second series of fiat links each having a tongue receivable in the aperture of one; link of said first series and having lips bendable around edges of the 'side' portions1of an adjacent link of said first series, said links extending generally .widthwise of said linkage and saidedges of said side portions of said links of said first seriesfacing substantially lengthwise of saidlinkage, said links of different series overlapping one another respectively, ya given series of links being provided with recesses andthe other series of links being providedwith protrusio'ns receivable in said recesses, thereby to align Vsaid links independently of said tongues and lips. Y

`4. The linkage of claim 3, in which said tongues of said linksof saidsecond series extend therefrom lengthwise of said linkage in a given direction, the edges of said links of said second series opposite said tongues being recessed, said apertures in said links of said first series registering with said recessed edge portions of said links of said first series. l 5. A flexible linkage comprisingalternating `first and second links, said first links comprising laterally extending members having Va central portion provided with an aperture adjacentone edge thereof and having side portions extending to both sides of said central portion, said second links comprising laterally extending members havingk a central portion corresponding'to the central portion ofsaid first links and havingan lintegral tongue extending 4therefrom in a longitudinal direction, said second links having side portions extending to both sides of said central portion and including lips extending therefrom in a longitudinal direction, said tongue passing `through said aperture in one of said first links andbeing bent around saidY central portion of said first link, said lips being bent around the side portions of ,an adjacent'lirstV link, said first and second links overlapping, one another respectively, a given set of links being provided with recesses and -the -other set of links being provided with protrusions receivable in said recesses, thereby Vto align said links independently of said `tongues and lips.

`6.A The linkage of claim 5, in which said tonguesrof said second links extend therefrom lengthwise of said linkage inra given direction, the edges of said second links opposite said tongues being recessed, said apertures in said first links registering with saidrecessed edge portions of said second links. f

' 7. A iiexiblechain linkage comprising a first series of links having apertures intermediate their width which are flanked by side portions, and a second series of links each having a tongue receivable in the aperture of one link of said first series and having lips bendable around edges of the `side portions of an .adjacent link of said first series, said links extending generally widthwise of sm'd linkage and said edges of said side portionsV of said links'of said first series facing substantially lengthwise of said linkage, said :side portions of saidV links of said first series having notches formed in the `edges thereof around which said lips of said links of said second ser-ies are bent, said notches being of a width and depth such as to receive said lips therein, said tongues of said links of said second series extending therefrom lengthwise of said linkage in a Igiven direction, the edges of said linksrof said second series opposite said tongues being recessed, said apertures in said links of saidV first series registering with said recessed edge portions of said links of said first series.

8. The linkage of claim 7, in which said links of dffer-ent series overlap one another respectively, a given series of links being provided with recesses and the other series of links being provided with protrusions receivable in said recesses, thereby to align said links independently of said tongues and lips.

9. A flexible chain linkage comprising a first series of flat links having apertures intermediate their width which are flanked by side portions, and a second series of flat links each having a tongue receivable in the aperture of one link of said first ser-ies and having lips bendable around edges of the side portions of an adjacent link of said first series, sai-d links extending generally widthwise of said linkage and said edges of said side portions of said l-inks of said iirst series facing substantially length- Wise of said linkage, said side portions of said links of said first series having notches formed in the edges thereof around which said lips of said links of said second series are bent, said notches being of a width and depth such as to receive said lips therein, said tongues of said links of said second series ext-ending therefrom lengthwise of said linkage in a given direction, the edges of said links of said second series opposite said tongues being recessed, said yapertures in said links of said rst series registering with said recessed edge portions of said links of said lirst series.

10. A flexible linkage comprising alternating first and second links, said first links comprising late-rally extending members having a central portion provided with an aperture adjacent one edge thereof and having side portions extending to both sides of said central portion, said second links comprising laterally extending members having a central .portion corresponding to the central po-rtion of said first links and having an integral tongue extend- Cit ing therefrom in a longitudinal direction, said second links having side portions extending to both sides of said central portion and including lips extending therefrom in a longitudinal direction, said .tongue passing through said aperture in one of said first links and being bent around said central portion of said fir-st link, said lips being bent around the side portions of an adjacent first link, said side port-ions of said tirst links having notches formed in the edges thereof around which said lips of said second links are bent, said notch-es being of a width and depth such as to reive said lips therein, said tongues of said second links exten-ding therefrom lengthwise of said linkage in a given direction, .the edges of said second links opposite said tongues being recessed, said apertures in said first links registering with said recessed edge portions of said second links.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,325,322 12/19 Hamm 59--78 1,598,250 8/26 Person 59-80' 1,720,2-35 7/29 -Prestinari 59-80 1,901,345 3/33 Carlson 59-91 2,442,546 `6/48 Lipschitz 63-3 X 2,536,391 1/51 Prestinari 59-80 3,038,296 6/62 Obst 59--79 FOREIGN PATENTS 357,296 9/ 31 Great Britain.

WILLIAM I. STEPHENSON, Primary Examiner.

HUNTER C. BOURNE, JR., CHARLES W. LANHAM, Examiners. 

1. A FLEXIBLE CHAIN LICKAGE COMPRISING A FIRST SERIES OF LINKS HAVING APERTURES INTERMEDIATE THEIR WIDTH WHICH ARE FLANKED BY SIDE PORTION, AND A SECOND SERIES OF LINKS EACH HAVING A TONGUE RECEIVABLE IN THE APERTURE OF ONE LINK OF SAID FIRST SERIES AND HAVING LIPS BENDABLE AROUND EDGES OF THE SIDE PORTIONS OF AN ADJACENT LINK OF SAID FIRST SERIES, SAID LINKS EXTENDING GENERALLY WIDTHWISE OF SAID LINKAGE AND SAID EDGES OF SAID SIDE PORTIONS OF SAID LINKS OF SAID FIRST SERIES FACING SUBSTANTIALLY LENGTHWISE OF SAID LINKAGE, SAID LINKS, OF DIFFERENT SERIES OVERLAPPING ONE ANOTHER RESPECTIVELY, A GIVEN SERIES OF LINKS BEING PROVIDED WITH RECESSES AND THE OTHER SERIES OF LINKS BEING PROVIDED WITH PROTRUSIONS REVEIVABLE IN SAID RECESSES, THEREBY TO ALIGN SAID LINK INDEPENDENTLY OF SAID TONGUE AND LIPS. 